Vinland Saga is a Japanese anime series produced between 2019 and 2023, adapted from Makoto Yukimura’s manga of the same name. It follows the path of revenge taken by a young Viking warrior named Thorfinn, who sets out with the sole aim of killing the man responsible for his father’s death in a duel. The series centers on a boy enthralled by the glory of war and violence, who gradually, faced with loneliness and hardship, begins to question those very ideals.

^{Vinland Saga Official Trailer (YouTube)}

Plot

Vinland Saga is set in the early 11th century and focuses on the Vikings’ influence across Europe. The narrative is framed as a fictional youth of the legendary explorer, Thorfinn Karlsefni. Having witnessed his father Thors’ murder at the hands of Askeladd as a child, Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s band of warriors, biding his time until he can avenge his father.

^{Thorfinn Carrying Thors after His Death (IMDb)}

In the first season, the story unfolds amid the political intrigues, battles, and individual tragedies of King Sweyn Forkbeard’s invasion of England. Thorfinn grows up torn between Askeladd’s machinations and the harsh reality of Viking raids, ultimately realizing that war is less about honor and heroism than death and destruction. Prince Canute’s rise to power is also woven into the story as an important subplot.

^{Prince Canute (IMDb)}

In the second season, the narrative takes a dramatic turn. Thorfinn is forced to work as a slave on the estate of a landowner named Ketil. This period foregrounds his internal transformation: he struggles to abandon his obsession with revenge and to free himself from violence. The series also examines the destructive impact of slavery on individuals, highlighting themes of human dignity and the struggle for freedom through the tragic story of Arnheid and Gardar.

Throughout the series, themes of war, revenge, freedom, and atonement are developed alongside character growth. Although inspired by real historical events and figures, the anime does not aim for strict historical documentation; rather, it presents a universal tale through personal tragedies and moral transformations.

Seasons

First Season (2019)

The first season premiered in 2019 and consists of 24 episodes. It covers Thorfinn’s childhood, his witnessing of his father Thors’ death, and his vow of vengeance. Thorfinn gains entry to Askeladd’s mercenary company and seeks the right moment to challenge him. Set against the backdrop of Denmark’s invasion of England, the season also features Prince Canute’s political ascent. It concludes with Askeladd’s death and Thorfinn’s loss of purpose—an ending referred to as “The End of the Prologue.”

^{Askeladd & Thorfinn (IMDb)}

Second Season (2023)

The second season aired in 2023 and shifts from intense warfare and political intrigue to a more character-driven narrative. Thorfinn serves as a slave on Ketil’s farm, confronting the consequences of his violent past and seeking redemption. His friendship with another slave, Einar, plays a pivotal role in his transformation. As the season progresses, King Canute’s ambitions threaten Ketil’s lands, reintroducing political tension into the story.

^{Vinland Saga Season 2, Thorfinn (IMDb)}

Characters and Dub Actors

Production

The first season of Vinland Saga was produced by the Japan-based Wit Studio. Having worked on high-production-quality projects such as Attack on Titan, the studio’s fluid battle scenes and visual fidelity drew considerable attention. The second season was handled by MAPPA.

Directing was led by Shūhei Yabuta. Script work was carried out by Hiroshi Seko, who meticulously structured the narrative’s pacing and character development. Character designs were created by Takahiko Abiru, whose depiction of characters’ physical transformations and psychological evolutions contributed significantly to the series’ atmosphere.

Music was composed by Yutaka Yamada, featuring original scores that underscore the emotional intensity of dramatic scenes. The first season’s opening theme, “MUKANJYO,” was performed by Survive Said The Prophet; different theme songs were chosen for the second season. The series was broadcast on NHK General TV in Japan, and international streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.

^{Yutaka Yamada, Tide (YouTube)}

Awards and Nominations